Calgary tattoo operation shut down – customers advised to get tested for diseases

Alberta Health Services is advising anyone who received tattoo services at ‘Pharaohs Tattooing’ at Unit 8, 3519 Centre Street N.W. in Calgary should be tested for viruses that can be spread through unsanitary tattoo procedures.

“This particular home-based tattoo operation did not have these proper sterilization or sanitation processes in place, meaning individuals who received tattoos through this operation may have been exposed to viruses, including Hepatitis B and C, and HIV,” says Dr. Judy MacDonald, Medical Officer of Health – Calgary Zone of Alberta Health Services.

It says the order will not be lifted until the operator has addressed ‘all violations noted in the closure order, and is capable of providing tattoo services in accordance with all regulations and legislation in Alberta’.

The operator is not permitted to offer tattoo services while the closure order is in place.

Anyone who received tattoos at Pharaohs Tattooing is advised to call Health Link to arrange for ‘simple, confidential testing’ to determine if there’s any infection. AHS is also minding anyone considering a tattoo to check on the facility before receiving any services. To confirm that a tattoo operation in Calgary has been properly inspected, call AHS Environmental Public Health at 403-943-2288. Closure orders are also posted online at: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/3150.asp